A Complete Overview Of Cavachon Lifespan, Health Issues, Temperament & More 

Cavachons are an adorable dog breed. Just as Corgi Poms are a Corgi and Pomeranian mix, Cavachons are a mix between Bichon Frise and King Charles Cavalier. This is a relatively new breed, and they can manage in any living situation. 

They can manage in small apartments and houses. They are friendly and will do well with just one person or in a larger family. Moreover, they are social and love spending time with their hoomans and their family.  

Here is everything you need to know about the breed. Starting with their appearance, temperament, and ending with the Cavachon lifespan, this article covers everything. 

Cavachon: History & Origin

As I mentioned, Cavachons are a relatively large breed and their origin dates back to 1996. The main goal behind creating this breed was to create a small family dog that would be smart and playful, have a kind and charming personality.  

Moreover, they wanted to make a mixed breed that would not require a lot of exercise and also have low shedding. Both parents have a royal lineage. The Cavalier King Charles breed originated in England, and the Bichon Frise comes from French royalty. 

Even though they have a royal bloodline, don’t assume them to be stuffy. They are friendly and charming, and growing in popularity. They are gaining popularity in the United States and internationally.  

Breed Overview

When you decide to bring a dog into your house, choosing the breed can be a difficult task. They are all beautiful, and it would be extremely challenging to pick one.  

When in a dilemma, go for designer dogs. Such is the Cavachon breed. They are amazing, but make sure they match your requirements, and you can give them what they need. Here is everything you need to know before you bring home one. 

1. Appearance, Size & Weight 

Cavachons are a mixture of Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles, so, naturally, they are small in size. A full-grown adult Cavachon weighs around 15-20 pounds, and they are around 12 to 13 inches tall. 

Alicen Tracey, DVM at the Den Herder Veterinary Hospital, told Daily Paws, “Because Cavachons are a mix between two breeds with very different coats, the appearance of a Cavachon’s fur will vary.” 

Most of the Cavachons are a combination of black, brown, and white fur with brown eyes. They have a medium, silky coat that is curly or wavy.

According to Tracey, “Cavachons shed very little but do require frequent grooming due to their fine coat growing out.” 

Even though no dog is completely hypoallergenic, as they shed their hair and produce dander, their coats make them a low-allergen pet. So, before you bring home one, spend some time with it to check if your allergies are triggered. 

2. Temperament 

Before we get to the Cavachon lifespan, let’s take a look at their temperament. Even though they are quite vocal and would bark at anyone unknown, they love making friends and meeting new people. 

They are active, especially when they are puppies, but they are like cuddle bugs who would love to spend time curled up in your lap and soak up all the love.  

Moreover, they are very easy to train and you can start with sme simple commands and tricks. Without proper training and socialization, they get nervous when put into a new environment and around strangers.  

According to Tracey, “It is extremely important to properly introduce and develop positive experiences for Cavachon puppies with new people and situations.” 

3. Cavachon Lifespan &Health Issues 

When asked about the Cavachon lifespan, they live upto 10 to 12 years of age. They are a mixture of two breeds, and there is a tendency that they will have health conditions from both their parent breeds. 

They are prone to developing eye problems, sebaceous adenomas, dental diseases, medial patella luxation, and a collapsing trachea.  

The majority of small-breed dogs are prone to dental diseases. So, you will need to brush their teeth daily and take them for a yearly dental cleaning. 

Moreover, they are prone to eye issues like cherry eye, eye ulcers, and dry eye. Cavachons are prone to getting small, hairless growths known as sebaceous adenomas. If you notice this, you need to consult a vet and inform your groomers as well. 

They are also prone to heart diseases, which they get from their Cavalier parents. Also, as I mentioned earlier, they are also prone to obesity and joint problems like arthritis. They also get frequent ear and skin infections. 

4. Exercise & Training 

A full-grown Cavachon needs almost 30-40 minutes of exercise every day. They are low-maintenance, so you can just take them for a stroll. Also, giving them playtime inside the house will keep them happy. 

They also need a lot of mental exercise to keep it active. You can try fun games and puzzle toys to keep them occupied. Also, you will need to potty train them to make them completely housetrained.  

You have to be patient and be positive with them. Remember, consistency is the key, and a little positive reinforcement goes a long way. However, ensure you do not let them get away with any kind of wrong behavior because of their cuteness. 

5. Socialization 

Cavachons make amazing family dogs. They are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are quite compatible and gentle with kids as well. Also, they are always eager to please their favorite hoomans.  

Cavachons will fit into your life like a missing piece of a puzzle. No matter if you live alone or in a busy household, they will fit well. However, they can develop separation anxiety, so you cannot leave them alone for a long period. 

They are a playful breed and prone to injury because of their small size. So, if you have small kids, teach them not to be rough with them. Moreover, they are friendly with other pets you have at home.  

Like any other breed, socialization is the key for them as well. They gel well with small animals and cats as well. Slowly introduce them so that they can warm up to one another. 

6. Nutritional Requirements 

The majority of dog breeds thrive on commercial pet food, and the same is true for Cavachons. They are a small breed but need high-quality dog food as a part of their diet that is specifically made for their age, size, and activity level. 

Dog food manufacturers do the research and provide the necessary information that you will need. Ensure that you are following the serving size that is recommended on he pack, as they are prone to obesity.  

Moreover, the amount of food they need depends on their energy levels, the kind of food you are giving them, wet or dry, and whether they are spayed. It is best to feed them 2 times a day to keep them energized.  

However, they are prone to heart problems, so you have to make sure they do not overindulge. If they put on weight, it will put extra pressure on their joints and hearts, which degrades their quality of life. 

7. Grooming & Care 

The amount of grooming your pup needs depends on their coat type. Their coats are often unpredictable, especially if these breeds are first-generation pups. But they generally have low-shedding coats and require frequent trimming and brushing to stay healthy. 

You will have to brush their teeth several times a week with a slicker brush to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Here are some of the grooming tips that you need to follow for Cavachons. 

• Look into their ears for signs of infection when you are grooming them. 

• Use soft clothes to clean their eyes and the surrounding area. Moreover, check for any signs of eye infections. 

• Bathe then every 4-6 weeks. Use any dog-friendly shampoo to maintain their coat and keep them fresh. 

• If their coat is like a Bichon Frise, you will have to trim it every 6-8 weeks.  

• Use particular grooming kits to give them cute styles. You can provide them with a cut to make them look fluffy like a teddy bear. 

• Trim their nails if it dosen’t wear down naturally. You can take them to a groomer or learn it from a professional. 

When Are You Getting One?

Even though Cavachon is a common breed these days, you will often hear Bichon-King Charles, or Cavachon. These are all the same, just go by different names. Also, from the day you take them in, consult a local veterinarian.  

However, this breed is not recognized by the AKC because it is not a new breed. They are a mix of two pure breeds.  

Now that you are aware of a Cavachon lifespan, health issues, nutritional rewquirements, you will be able to decide whether they are a good fit for your lifestyle. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are some of the common questions while discussing the Cavachon lifespan, appearance, health issues, and nutritional requirements.